Early identification and intervention for hearing-impaired children and infants: Review of current evidence

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the current evidence on the effectiveness of early diagnosis/ early intervention after a local government-based newborn hearing screening (NHS) in Japan, as compared to USA, etc.
A search of the Japanese database of CiNii and Japan Medical Abstracts was conducted using the search algorithm of [(hearing impaired children OR deaf OR otorhinolaryngology) and early-intervention] for reports published from 1900 through 2013, and 243 studies were identified. The themes of the studies have changed sequentially from diagnosis of infant hearing, intervention for double-disabled children, cochlear implants and NHS during the period.
Approximately NHS tests were carried out in 60% of Japan obstetrics and maternity facilities in the 2006 survey, and it was clear that early diagnosis and early intervention were carried out. On the other hand, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to suggest that infants covered by NHS may show better language development in comparison to infants that have not undergone NHS.
Because a health care examination program of the infants has been implemented in Japan, the follow-up rate was high after NHS as compared to the case in the USA. Our findings emphasize the importance of continued implementation of the hearing health care program for all infants, and also of the follow-up program after NHS.